Overview

The Art Institute of Tucson is one of The Art Institutes, a system of over fifty schools throughout North America dedicated to providing hands-on education in the creative and applied arts. The Art Institute of Tucson offers bachelor's and associate degree programs as well as non-degree programs for students interested in pursuing career opportunities from among tomorrow's 15 million jobs in creative fields like design, fashion, media arts and culinary (based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for job growth from 2012 to 2022).

A focused education from The Art Institute of Tucson can help students turn their creative energy into a powerful tool that can make a difference in the world. Students are part of a collaborative and supportive community, where experienced instructors provide the guidance and skills needed to pursue a career in the creative economy.

The Art Institute of Tucson is also an important resource for creative industry leaders who value the opportunity provided students to learn by using professional-grade technology to build a portfolio of work to show potential employers after graduation.

Accreditation and Licensing

Location

The Art Institute of Tucson is located in a fast-growing, progressive metropolitan area that's also one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Tucson sits on a plain located in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by five major mountain ranges. Here, students study among postcard images of deserts and mountains. They also explore historic neighborhoods, sample eclectic art, enjoy live music, enjoy the benefits of a bike-friendly city, and generally have a great time.

Tucson's small but vibrant independent music scene is concentrated in the city's downtown area .

The Tucson Folk Festival takes place downtown the first Saturday and Sunday of May. Along with nationally known headline acts each evening, it showcases over 400 local and regional musicians on five stages, making it is one of the largest free festivals in the nation.

The Center for Creative Photography is a popular Tucson museum that features many works by artists such as Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum combines a zoo, a botanical garden, and a museum, all dedicated to indigenous plants and animals. Trail Dust Town is an open-air cluster of shops and restaurants that sprang up from the ruins of a long-ago western movie set.

The League of American Bicyclists has awarded Tucson a gold rating for bicycle friendliness. Tucson holds the largest annual perimeter cycling event in the nation, called El Tour de Tucson. The city is known for its winter cycling, and both road and mountain biking are popular in nearby trail areas.

Academic Facilities

The Art Institute of Tucson provides a learning environment with professional-grade technology applicable to each student’s course of study. Students have the opportunity to build a portfolio of work that shows potential employers that they are trained to use the software, hardware, or equipment utilized within the industry. Depending upon the course of study, students are immersed in a creative environment—from classrooms to computer labs to studios—focused on relevant, hands-on education designed to prepare them for the real world.

Costs

Actual tuition and housing costs will vary depending on program, number of credits enrolled, and living arrangements. Prospective students should contact a Student Financial Services professional at the school for details.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students who require financial assistance should first complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and meet with a financial aid officer. Students may also apply for a number of scholarships focusing on their specific areas of career interest.

Faculty

Faculty members are hands-on creative professionals with proven experience as business leaders and innovators, hosting a learning environment similar to the career world students will face after graduation. Part instructor, part mentor, their mission is to help develop and transform creative potential into marketable skills. Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students should refer to the current academic catalog for full details regarding admission requirements and process.

Application and Information

To obtain an application, make arrangements for an interview, or tour the school, prospective students should contact: